Why Coding Is Important
Coding is a basic literacy in the digital age. It is important for children to understand and be able to work with the technology around them. Having children learn coding at a young age prepares them for the future. Coding helps children with communication, creativity, math, writing and confidence.
More than just a science, coding enables students to develop important personal abilities like their sense of creativity and self-expression. When developing code, students impact the world around them while fostering problem-solving skills.
Higher-Order Thinking Skills
Coding foundations include Higher Order Thinking Skills associated with the coding process including tasks like analyzing, predicting, planning, patterning, sequencing, sorting, organizing, and evaluating. Before introducing children to the technology tools used for coding, we practice the concepts of Higher Order Thinking Skills through screen-free, hands-on activities basic to the coding process.
Making Connections
These activities enable children to work in small groups promoting teamwork, cooperation, and sharing. With the support of a caring professional, children are encouraged to explore, overcome challenges, and discuss their thinking, enabling them to learn skills which will help them to become resilient problem-solvers.
Integrated Curriculum
When combined with our Communities of CharacterTM and Platinum Learning for LifeTM curriculum, our youngest children will be prepared for an ever-changing future, equipped with the ability to think in computational terms and persevere through challenges as they continue to inquire and learn about the world around them.
Coding Toys
Stepping Stone School provides children of all ages with the opportunity to learn coding on a daily basis. The basic skills of coding are sequencing, pattern recognition and if/then logic. From our infants to our school-age children, they learn by stacking blocks, sorting by color or number, counting, following directions, learning about cause and effect, observing, creating, designing and interacting.
Stepping Stone School has also provided many age appropriate coding games and manipulatives in each classroom.
Learn more about how we use Coding Toys in our curriculum
Coding in Summer Camps
Stepping Stone School has been one of Austin’s Favorite Summer Camps for over 40 years and has implemented Coding and New Techology into our Summer Camp lesson plans and curriculum from day one!
Our dynamic and engaging Summer Camps are never dull, and always connect young minds with our award-winning S.T.E.A.M. curriculum and learning experiences.
Learn more about Austin’s Favorite Spring Break and Summer Camps.